The Chaiyya Chaiyya girl

About her Chaiyya Chaiyya experience, the stunner once told rediff.com, “I think the manner in which the song was shot was a novel experience. I knew for certain I could sleepwalk through the song and still look good because Santosh Sivan was the cinematographer.

"Farah is a brilliant choreographer and she knows the kind of person I am. She gives me steps that compliment me. Mani Ratnam is a brilliant director, the music by Rahman was great and having Shah Rukh for a co-star was a definite bonus!

"He was wonderful. He told me, ‘Malaika, there is nothing to worry about. Let's go there and have a blast.’ Fortunately, it turned out really well.”

Her first love

When not endorsing brands or playing a radiant showstopper for the designer cream, Malaika is one of the most popular faces judging small screen’s reality shows like Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhlaja, Zara Nachke Dikha and India’s Got Talent.

Her all-time favourites

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is her all-time favourite romance, hot fish curry and steamed rice is the dish to win her heart, a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, Malaika looks up to “Helen Aunty” for inspiration and the impeccable dresser swears by Valentino and Armani’s designer creations.

Secret of her success

“I love my work, so I want to give it my 100 per cent. I love looking after a house, I enjoy being with my family. That's the kind of person I am. I will not do something if I cannot give it 100 per cent or more.